Tips For Overcoming Dental Anxiety

dental anxietyWe get it; going to the dentist or dentist can be anxiety-inducing. After all, having someone poke around your mouth isn’t exactly the ideal way to spend part of your day. While we always strive to make your appointments as comfortable and stress-free as possible, the anxiety you may feel is real. With this in mind, there are ways to help you minimize your fear and stress. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist provides some tips for overcoming your dental anxiety.  (more…)

Improve Your Brushing And Flossing

brushing and flossingLast week, we discussed the importance of knowing when to replace your toothbrush. Similarly, it is important to reassess your brushing and flossing techniques to ensure your efforts are efficient as well as effective. By practicing good oral hygiene on a daily basis, you are helping minimize the chances of experiencing tooth decay and the subsequent need for serious dental procedures. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist provides suggestions on how you can improve your brushing and flossing to make sure you maintain a healthy and radiant smile for years to come. (more…)

Oral Surgery Is Dr. Hofkes’ Passion

Oral surgeryThe key to providing the best possible care to our patients is the passion we have for helping them achieve the healthiest possible smiles. We deeply care about the well-being of everyone who enters our office, and we believe this allows us to provide thorough, personalized services to the members of our community. From cosmetic procedures to oral surgery, we strive to offer the best solutions. And this starts with Dr. Shawn Hofke’s continuous efforts to improve upon his craft. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist discusses his qualified background and the oral surgery procedures we offer to our patients.  (more…)

When You Need A Night Guard

dental night guardPersistent teeth grinding — also known as bruxism — affects millions of people. The exact number is hard to pin down because it often happens when individuals are asleep and many are not aware of their condition until damage has already occurred. Even though many are doing it unconsciously, they feel the effects in their waking hours. Common symptoms include persistent headaches, chipped and cracked teeth, and jaw misalignment. Luckily, there are solutions and remedies. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist talks about bruxism, its causes, and solutions. (more…)

Porcelain Veneers Can Fix Many Issues

Porcelain VeneersIt is easy to become fixated on the way your smile looks. Even if others don’t notice, we often hone in on every self-perceived irregularity and flaw. As we notice more and more, it can become overwhelming watching the issues stack up. While this can hurt our self-esteem, there are lots of solutions that can help. Porcelain veneers, in particular, can fix several issues at once, making them one of the most efficient cosmetic procedures your dentist or dentist can provide. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist discusses the ways that they can help. (more…)

When Do You Need A Dental Bridge?

dental bridgeWhen you are missing a tooth, it is essential to fill the space as soon as possible. While there are clear aesthetic benefits, replacing the tooth can also help maintain the health of your jawbone and mouth in general. There are numerous replacement options available and each one is used in specific situations. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist discusses dental bridges, and how you can know when these will be the best option for you. (more…)

When To Replace Your Toothbrush

replacing your toothbrushWhile we focus our efforts on providing oral surgery, we intrinsically understand that practicing good day-to-day habits is paramount. While not every serious situation can be avoided through regular preventative care efforts, they can certainly improve the chances of not needing more invasive procedures. With this in mind, an often overlooked component of regular oral hygiene is monitoring and replacing your toothbrush when necessary. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist talks about the signs and times that indicate you need a new one. (more…)

Be Careful With Sports Drinks

sports drinkWe previously discussed the harm that soft drinks can do to your teeth. Of course, you have likely known that these beverages can wreak havoc on your smile. However, sports drinks can cause similar — if not more — damage, as well. While the drinks themselves aren’t necessarily worse for you, their image, thanks to marketing, seems as if they provide healthy refueling benefits. Sure, they do provide some benefit for the active among us, but they can also cause quite a bit of harm. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist discusses the negative aspects of sports drinks, and why you need to monitor your consumption of them. (more…)

Who Benefits From Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation DentistryWe get it: anxiety about going to the dentist or dentist is very real and prevalent. Many patients are nervous about the experience, and the last thing we want is for this fear to get in the way of keeping up with their needed oral care. Because we always put the comfort of our patients first, we are pleased to offer dental sedation to those who want and need it. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist discusses the situations that necessitate sedation and the different kinds we offer. (more…)

Understanding Oral Pathology

oral pathologyAt Balboa Dental Surgery, we do much more than oral surgery and extractions. We believe that maintaining good oral health is essential to your overall well-being. Because of this, we are dedicated to oral pathology — the study and treatment of the diseases that can affect the interior areas of your mouth. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist discusses this field and the ways we can identify and treat the diseases that can harm your mouth.  (more…)